The Nigeria Police on Thursday, February 27, 2025, made a detour as it restored the security details attached to the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Hon Mojisola Meranda.
The Commissioner of Police for the Lagos State command, CP Moshood Jimoh, who confirmed this at a media briefing on Thursday, said that the earlier withdrawal was part of a routine audit and not motivated by any ulterior motive.
Curiously, the police authorities on Thursday suddenly withdrew all security aides in addition to police officers assigned to Speaker Meranda, thereby raising concerns about her safety.
While the security aides of Speaker Meranda were withdrawn without any explanation from any quarters, those of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa were swiftly restored which embolden him to storm the Assembly, a development that left Meranda vulnerable.
In her reaction, Meranda described the withdrawal of her security aides as troubling and a potential threat to governance in Lagos State.
However, a statement by Victor Ganzallo, Special Adviser on Information to Speaker Meranda, noted that the withdrawal of the security operatives was an unusual action that have serious consequences.
She also questioned the timing of the decision, particularly against the backdrop of the ongoing political tensions within the State House of Assembly.
The statement stated; “Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda was duly elected by her colleagues, and her leadership was reinforced with a strong vote of confidence.
“The timing of the security withdrawal, coupled with the hostile actions of the former speaker and his associates, raises serious questions. Is this politically motivated or part of a larger strategy to destabilize the current administration?”
The Media aide to Meranda also noted that the gender dynamics in politics could be a factor, saying; “Could this act of aggression reflect deep-seated bias against female leadership?
“Is Rt. Hon. Meranda’s position as a woman speaker being used to justify such intimidation and disruption?” she asked.
The aide linked the development to an ongoing internal power struggle following the removal of the former speaker, suggesting that it was a calculated move to weaken Meranda’s leadership and create instability.
“We demand an immediate clarification from both the police and the state government on their roles in this matter. The absence of security for top officials raises serious concerns about the safety of public officeholders in Lagos. If such intimidation can occur at the highest levels, what protection exists for ordinary citizens?” he added.
Accordingly, the office of the Speaker called for investigation and accountability from all involved parties, stressing that such actions must not go unchallenged.
